Pope’s Message for World Day of Peace – Thursday 1st January 2004

16 Dec 2003

PRESS RELEASE

16 December 2003

POPE’S MESSAGE FOR WORLD DAY OF PEACE

THURSDAY 1ST JANUARY 2004

“AN EVER TIMELY COMMITMENT: TEACHING PEACE”

This morning in the Holy See Press Office, the Pope’s message for the 37th
World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on January 1, 2004, was presented.

The theme of the Pope’s Message is: “An Ever Timely Commitment: Teaching Peace”.
In the introduction to his Message the Pope says: “My words are addressed to you,
the Leaders of the nations, who have the duty of promoting peace! To you, Jurists,
committed to tracing paths to peaceful agreement, preparing conventions and treaties
which strengthen international legality! To you, Teachers of the young, who on all
continents work tirelessly to form consciences in the ways of understanding and
dialogue! And to you too, men and women tempted to turn to the unacceptable means
of terrorism and thus compromise at its root the very cause for which you are
fighting! All of you, hear the humble appeal of the Successor of Peter who cries
out: today too, at the beginning of the New Year 2004, peace remains possible.
And if peace is possible, it is also a duty!”

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, Msgr. Frank J. Dewane
and Giorgio Filibeck, respectively president, secretary, undersecretary and official
of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, spoke during this mornings press
conference.

Click here for the full text of the Pope’s Message.

Ends
16 December 2003

Further information:
Director of Communications Martin Long 086 1727 678
Communications Officer Brenda Drumm 087 233 7797